2014 Meerut riots

On 10 May 2014, a scuffle between two communities over construction of fence around well escalated into riots in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a northern state of India[1] As of 11 May, 3 people were killed and 50 injured, including a top police officer and two media persons.[3][4]

2014 Meerut riots
Date10 May 2014 (2014-05-10) – 10 May 2014 (2014-05-10)
Location
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India

28.98°N 77.70°E / 28.98; 77.70
Caused byScuffle between two communities over fence construction around a well escalated into riot[1]
Violence and action
Death(s)3[2]
Injuries50[3]
Meerut
Location of riots in Uttar Pradesh, India

Background

Two local groups in Meerut were staking claims in a well which has been directed by court to be maintained at status quo. But, in-charge of nearby mosque had started to construct concrete fence around the well.[5] The incident started at around 2 pm on 10 May in the Teer Gehran area of Meerut.[6] There have been various theories regarding the cause of violence. While Times of India reported that this construction of fence paved way for riots,[5] the New Indian Express reported that installation of water facilitation centre was objected by members from Jain community arguing that it would affect their temple, which started the riots.[7][8]

Clashes

While the cause of riot was uncertain, the argument between the two communities escalated into shouting of slogans against each other. Soon violence erupted and vehicles were set fire. Stone pelting and firing of arms were done by members of both communities.[7] Few police personnel who tried to control the mob faced injuries.[3]

One person succumbed to bullet wound, while other injured were being taken to local hospitals.[2]

Security

Police sources stated that patrolling has been intensified. Six companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary and Eight companies of Rapid Action Force has been deployed to restore peace[7] Shops were closed in the area due to rioting.[9]

Criminal Cases were registered against 200 people in connection with the riots and Nauchandi Mela has been wound up before its scheduled end.[10] According to Meerut SP Om Prakash Singh, the police have identified some criminals from a video footage.[6]

Arrest

Two persons were held [11] after the victim succumbed to injuries.[12]

References
  1. "Hindu-Muslim clashes leave several injured in Meerut, BJP uploads photos". Indian Express. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  2. "Meerut: District administration laxity led to communal riots?". One India. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  3. "50 injured in Meerut riot". DNA India. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  4. Rai, Sandeep (10 May 2014). "Clashes in Meerut after spat over well; four shot at, 15 injured". Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  5. "Water row leads to Meerut riots". Times of India. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  6. "Meerut Communal violence: Criminal Cases filed against 200 People". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  7. "50 Injured in Meerut Riot". New Indian Express. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  8. "Meerut: Over 50 people injured in communal clashes". Firstpost. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  9. "Meerut communal riots: One dead, 50 injured". One India. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  10. "Meerut: Security increased after communal clashes". Firstpost. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  11. Chandramohan, C. K. (15 May 2014). "Two nabbed over death of Meerut youth". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  12. "Riots victim succumbs to injuries, Meerut tense". The Times of India. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
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